Filming in Vilnius

With its diverse architecture, landscapes and seasons, filmmakers around the world are discovering Vilnius as a great location for film and television productions. Our local film industry is full of talented and skilled professionals with the experience, enthusiasm and equipment needed to support all types of projects.

Take advantage of the locations, cost efficiency and high standards of professionalism available in Vilnius to film your feature film or TV show here.

The list of productions filmed in and around Vilnius includes the BBC television adaptation of Tolstoy’s War and Peace (2015) as well as an earlier version of the same (2007), Siberian Education (2013) starring John Malkovich, the HBO miniseries Elizabeth I (2005) starring Helen Mirren and Jeremy Irons, and Defiance (2009) starring Daniel Craig.

Top 5 filming locations in Vilnius

1. Užupis

Located on the other side of the Vilnia River, right next to Old Town Vilnius, the Užupis district is famous for its artistic community and its romantic, mysterious atmosphere.

2. Bernardinų street and courtyards

This narrow, crooked street is one of the most picturesque in Vilnius, thanks to its baroque and classical-style houses and courtyards that were built during the 17th and 18th centuries. Its curving walls also make it one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Appears in:

War and Peace, 2015 The Assets, 2013 The Hero, 2014

3. The Lithuanian Writers’ Union

Built between 1839-1868, the mansion that is now the Lithuanian Writers’ Union is considered to be one of Vilnius’ finest examples of neo-baroque architecture. Over the centuries, it has been owned by a number of characters who have figured heavily in our city’s history. When the Soviet Union occupied Lithuania in 1944, the building was given to the Writers’ Union.

Appears in:

The Hero, 2014 Kronjuvelerna, 2011 The Assets, 2013 War and Peace, 2007

4. Šv. Ignoto street

Šv. Ignoto Street connects Dominikonų and Liejyklos Streets in the heart of Old Town Vilnius. On its southwest side is the Dominican Monastery, while the Church of St. Ignatius is on the other. No. 7 Šv. Ignoto Street is home to a Benedictine convent.

5. Universiteto street and Vilnius University

Universiteto Street is home to the oldest part of Vilnius University. It is a gothic-style building that faces the courtyard of the Presidential Palace. Like much of Old Town Vilnius, the University’s roots can be traced to the 16th century, when Bishop Valerian Protaszewick bought the two-storey house. It was taken over by the Jesuit College. Over time, twelve more buildings were added to what eventually became Vilnius University.

Vilnius Film Office

The Vilnius Film Office assists and supports international filmmakers with the production, shooting and post-production of movies and television programmes.

If you are an international filmmakers, the Vilnius Film Office is your one-stop-shop for help with free location permits and scouting, free shooting in public spaces, and valuable contacts with Lithuania’s film and media professionals, service companies, production facilities and equipment specialists.